When I’m working with a caregiver over the phone and I hear them struggling to prioritize their needs or find the time and energy to keep well, it’s incredibly difficult for me to respond with: “Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping the person you are caring for.” It’s one thing for […]
Communication Skills
Building Community Connections for Caregivers
Many caregivers feel alone in their role and responsibilities. Research identifies social isolation as one of the highest risk factors experienced by family caregivers. It’s also frequently observed by friends, family, and professionals. Yet, it can be the hardest area to change or improve. Connections with others can start to wane as a family deals […]
Assertive and Effective Communication
Family caregivers often struggle with not knowing how to speak up and get their message across to key people involved with the person for whom they are caring. Being assertive with effective communication skills is about knowing what you want to say at the right time to the right person. We’ve all had those days […]
The Work/Caregiving Balance
You are in a work meeting and your cell phone vibrates. You ignore it. Two minutes later, it vibrates again. You check the number and see it’s your mother calling. Between meetings you call her back and she tells you she needs to go to a doctor’s appointment that afternoon. You wish that she had […]
Share the Care with Minimal Conflict
Navigating difficult or awkward conversations can, if not handled correctly, create conflict between caregivers and the people they are caring for. Whether it is someone caring for a relative with a disability such as a brain injury or developmental disability or an adult child caring for an aging parent, avoiding conflict or dealing with tension […]